The Ho Chi Minh City-based tourism company Saigontourist topped the list of 10 travel agents in the country thanks to its outstanding performance in 2006.

The award was granted to the company by the Viet Nam Tourism Administration and the Tourism Association in Ha Noi on July 9.

In 2006, the State-owned tour operator posted revenue of 473 billion VND, a year-on-year increase of 20 percent. The company provided services for 164,000 visitors, in which foreign visitors accounted for 37 percent.

Saigontourist was followed by Apex Viet Nam, Ben Thanh Tourist, Fiditourist, Vietravel, Hoa Binh Tourist, Areca Travel, Viet Nam Tourism Company in Ha Noi, Ho Guom Diethelm and Huong Giang Travel.

Awards were also given to ten best hotels including Ben Thanh, Mejestic, Sofitel Metropole, Caravella, Ana Mandara Nha Trang, Melia Hanoi, Sofitel Plaza, Nikko, Furama và De Nhat (First) hotel.